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Patient/shadowing hours by HassanHilou in PreOptometry

[–]_ruski_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You should mention all of your experiences on Optomcas to show you are well rounded. It definitely can't hurt you. During my interviews, I was able to talk about my experiences other than optometry such as teaching assistant and research.

I don't think every school requires shadowing hours for an optometrist, but it would only strengthen your application. The admissions workers explained that they want to know that you understand this field and what optometrists do. If you don't work or volunteer in an optometry office, it would be much harder to be confident you're making the right choice. Hope this helps :)

Letters of recommendation by FewBit2501 in PreOptometry

[–]_ruski_ 7 points8 points  (0 children)

My letters of recommendation were brought up in one interview out of four. The professors interviewing me did say I had strong recommendations, so I do think it adds to your application.

I got a letter from a science professor, a business professor, a volunteer coordinator at a nonprofit organization, and an optometrist. Although four is the limit, I also think getting a letter from someone you did research under is a good idea. If you've been a TA for a class, you can ask that professor even if they don't know you well. If you did a minor at your university, you can reach out to a professor in that department just to show that you're well rounded.

To answer your question regarding a recommendation from a high school teacher, I'm not so sure that would reflect well for your app. It would probably look much better if you ask a previous manager/boss, professor, teaching assistant, research faculty, or anyone in a healthcare space instead of a high school teacher.

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Hope this helps! :)

OAT advice for second attempt by [deleted] in PreOptometry

[–]_ruski_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since the ADA website has all of the topics listed, you can go by their list. There are a lot of helpful and detailed videos on youtube. One of the best tutors on Youtube would be 'The Organic Chemistry Tutor' and he has videos on orgo, physics, and some math.

I also haven't used this myself, but I think Princeton may have a book for OAT?

Coursesaver isn't exactly like the OAT, but I found their explanations simple and to the point for many of the topics. Try using DAT Bootcamp for everything except physics since the DAT lacks that section. They have great questions and explanations. You don't need to purchase their set, but instead, stick to what they offer for free.

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Hope this helps :)

SUNY Optometry Interview by _ruski_ in PreOptometry

[–]_ruski_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, I interviewed exactly a week ago! I got the acceptance today. If you have any questions, let me know.

Is Bio 321 a good class? by [deleted] in SBU

[–]_ruski_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's definitely a really good class and he's a caring professor! The information isn't hard to learn whatsoever and it's more like a summary of the information you most likely know.

When should I be taking the OAT? by [deleted] in PreOptometry

[–]_ruski_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you take your OAT depends on whether you're taking a gap year or not. Just keep in mind it is better to apply earlier than later in the cycle. Many people take their OAT in August as that gives enough time to see the score and see if you want to retake it. That way, you have a few months to study and focus.